Students Volunteer in SMH and WMH VolunTeen Program

The VolunTeen program at Shenandoah and Warren Memorial hospitals was a success this summer as 18 high schoolers received hands-on experience in the healthcare field.

Through the program, teenagers 14 to 17 years of age help out in a variety of ways, including escorting patients to various departments throughout the hospital; putting together tube and lab kits; looking for expired supplies; assembling packets; and handing out flowers, newspapers, and water to patients. Some also help out at the rural health clinics.

“It’s a great way to recruit local youth, plus it enhances our partnership with the local schools and community,” says Melissa Stalbird, director of Professional Development at PMH, SMH, WMH. “It’s a pipeline into health care and enables the teens to learn about many different types of professions. It allows the students to see that no matter your role in the hospital or what unit you’re in, everyone is important and part of the team.”

Students are accepted into the program after submitting an application, providing recommendations, and then being interviewed.

In Their Own Words

“I really like the fact I get to help people and I also get to meet new people within the hospital environment,” says participant Ava Strickler, who attends Warren County High School.

Anna Bible, who attends Central High School in Woodstock, says: “One thing I liked was getting to hand the patients newspapers and flowers, and I also liked that everyone was so welcoming. It made volunteering so much easier!”

“I liked that the Volunteen program allowed me to pick up management skills and to work with people,” says Clara Shye of Strasburg High School. “I learned how to evaluate situations and how to stay calm under them.”

Valley Health partners with the community in various ways to teach young adults about careers in healthcare. Learn more on our Youth Career Exploration in Health Professions page. Learn more about the VolunTeen Program here.